Smallholding Management Diploma

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This Quality Assured Level 3 Diploma course is aimed at those with an interest in running a smallholding, either in an employment capacity, or simply for pleasure, or to live a self-sufficient lifestyle.

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Level 3 / Quality Licence Scheme / ODL93

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over 12 months and £ deposit

Course summary

Course support

12 months expert tutor support

24 hour access

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Endorsed by the

Quality Licence Scheme

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Course introduction

The course will provide students with a sound understanding of all aspects involved with managing your own small hold, ranging from designing the build right through to marketing your service. Materials can be studied online or students have the option to have the printed materials delivered for an additional charge of £65.

Course Content

Module 1 - Introduction to Smallholding Management

This first unit of the Diploma in Smallholding Management course will introduce you to the concept of running a smallholding, or of achieving self-sufficiency. The unit will provide you with the foundation knowledge required for further studies related to running a smallholding, and will help you to clarify your aims. It covers the following:

    * Clarifying your aims - why do you want to run a smallholding? What do you hope to achieve? Do you want to make a profit or are you looking for a sustainable self sufficient lifestyle?
    * Finding suitable land and property, and assessing it to make sure it meets your needs
    * Making plans for your land - livestock or crops? What do you hope to do with it?
    * Business planning and raising finance for purchase

Module 2 - Building design

Unit 1 gives a general introduction to finding a suitable smallholding, and this unit continues on from there to work with plans for buildings on your smallholding.

It looks at the following:

    * Conversion of existing buildings
    * Dealing with rules and regulations such as planning permission
    * The design of suitable new buildings for a variety of uses, including the types of building materials that can be used, together with their advantages and disadvantages.

Module 3 - Livestock selection and Management Part 1

There are many types of animal that could be kept on a smallholding, depending on land type, restrictions in place, size of area etc, as well as personal choice. This unit introduces the topic and covers:

    * The selection of suitable species, taking into consideration space, time, effort and cost
    * Keeping poultry
    * Keeping other small animals, such as bees
    * The health and veterinary attention required by livestock

Module 4 - Livestock selection and Management Part 2

The subject of choosing suitable livestock and the keeping of animals is so large that it has been divided into two parts. This second part continues on from module 3, and covers the following:

    * Keeping sheep
    * Keeping pigs
    * Keeping cattle
    * Keeping horses
    * Other species, such as goats and alpacas

Module 5 - Grassland Management

The maintenance of land is extremely important, particularly if livestock are being kept in a relatively small area. This unit looks at the subject of grassland management, according to the types of species of animals being kept.

The following topics are covered:

    *Assessing soil type
    * Preparing and fertilizing ground
    * Removal of weeds
    * Maintenance of grazing
    * The importance of timing when carrying out certain tasks associated with land management

Module 6 - Machinery and Equipment

Although small scale farming may not require as much in the way of equipment and machinery as a large scale farm, some machinery and equipment will be required in order to run the smallholding effectively. This unit covers the following:

    * Working out what you will need
    * Manual tools versus powered machinery
    * Choosing suitable machinery
    * Maintenance of machinery

Module 7 - Growing Vegetables, Fruit and Flowers

This unit looks at the concept of a 'market garden' and introduces you to the growing of various plants on a smallholding. By the end of your study on this section you will have been introduced to the following topics:

    * Choosing suitable crops according to land type
    * The importance of rotation of crops
    * Planting and sowing, and the work involved
    * Increasing yields
    * Allowing the public in to 'pick your own' and the implications of this

Module 8 - Financial Management

Even if your smallholding is not expected to make a profit, effective smallholding management requires sound financial management in order to be successful.

The following topics are discussed in this unit:

    * Bookkeeping and maintaining financial records
    * Grants that are available
    * Budgeting and financial forecasting

Module 9 - Marketing and General Management

Following on from the previous unit, this section looks at the importance of good management of a small business enterprise or successful self-sufficient unit, and also covers the important legal issues that need to be complied with. It covers the following:

    * Commercial production of produce versus self-sufficiency
    * Selling your produce
    * Dealing with paperwork
    * Health and Safety issues and how to comply
    * Employment of labour on a smallholding

Module 10 - Ethical and Environmental Issues

This final unit of the course examines the various environmental impacts of farming on a small scale, and looks at the legislations affecting this type of activity. You will be introduced to the following topics.

    * The disposal of waste from farming activity
    * Organic methods of farming
    * The impact on the environment and how to reduce or minimise negative impact Keeping up with changes in legislation relating to environmental issues

Required knowledge

No previous knowledge or experience is essential to study this course.

Assessment

Final online multiple choice examination counts for 100% of the final grade. Throughout the course there are ten SAPs (coursework) and a thesis. The course clearly states that this is not mandatory to complete as it has no bearing on the final grade. We do suggest that students complete these as this will not only assist them in examination preparation but also will give the student the skill set should they wish to continue their studies (continuous professional development) at a higher level.

Certification

At the end of this course successful learners will receive a Certificate of Achievement from Quality Licence Scheme and a Learner Unit Summary (which lists the components the learner has completed as part of the course).

The course has been endorsed under the Quality Licence Scheme. The provider has undergone an external quality check to ensure that the organisation and the courses it offers, meet defined quality criteria. The completion of this course alone does not lead to a regulated qualification* but may be used as evidence of knowledge and skills gained.

The Learner Unit Summary may be used as evidence towards Recognition of Prior Learning if you wish to progress your studies in this subject. To this end the learning outcomes of the course have been benchmarked at QLS Level 3 against level descriptors published by Ofqual, to indicate the depth of study and level of demand/complexity involved in successful completion by the learner.

The Quality Licence Scheme is part of the Skills and Education Group, a charitable organisation that unites education and skills-orientated organisations that share similar values and objectives. With more than 100 years of collective experience, the Skills and Education Group’s strategic partnerships create opportunities to inform, influence and represent the wider education and skills sector.

The Skills and Education Group’s knowledge and experience of working within the awarding sector enables them to work with training providers, through the Quality Licence Scheme, to help them develop high-quality courses and/or training programmes for the non-regulated market.

*Regulated qualification refers to those qualifications that are regulated by Ofqual / CCEA / Qualification Wales.

Course units

Module 1: Introduction to Smallholding Management
Module 2: Building design
Module 3: Livestock selection and Management Part 1
Module 4: Livestock selection and Management Part 2
Module 5: Grassland Management
Module 6: Machinery and Equipment
Module 7: Growing Vegetables, Fruit and Flowers
Module 8: Financial Management
Module 9: Marketing and General Management
Module 10: Ethical and Environmental Issues

Learner support

12 Months Tutor Support. Tutors are available to answer student questions relating to course materials and to comment on the assignments that are sent in to state how well students have understood the unit content.

FAQs

What is distance learning?

Distance learning is the most flexible and convenient approach to studying. There is no need for you to attend college and, therefore, you can study anytime, any place, anywhere that fits in with your lifestyle. Distance learning programmes are ideal for people who may have a full-time job, or other commitments, that won’t allow them time off to study.

What do I need to do to get started on a course?

You'll need to be able to commit the required time to your studies. We recommend that you choose a course you think will interest you, and help you to achieve your ambitions. If you would like some advice, or further information, please call our helpline free on 0333 3445 690.

To purchase a course, simply click on the ‘Buy now’ button against your chosen course and follow the on screen instructions. Alternatively if you would prefer to purchase the course over the phone, call 0333 3445 690 and speak to one of our expert course advisors.

How does the distance learning/home study method work?

The course operates through a study pack and access to your own personal tutor. Once you have chosen your course we will send you your study pack, which you will be required to work through before completing the course.

Depending on the course you have chosen, you will either be required to complete assignments and submit these for marking as the course progresses and/or be required to sit an end exam. The end exam could be in the form of multiple choice questions, or be an invigilated exam at a registered test centre.

Your completed assignments will need to be sent to your tutor for marking/assessment, you will then receive written feedback and guidance. It may be possible to submit your assignments by email, however you will need to check this with your tutor. Please be aware that your assignments will be maintained by NCCHL for moderation and audit purposes.

These requirements will always be listed on the course description page, so please refer to this for details of what is required for each individual course.

How long should it take to complete a course?

Depending on the course you have chosen, and the amount of time you can commit, it could take from 6 weeks to 12 months to complete your course.

The duration of the course is largely down to you though. The beauty of home learning is that it allows you complete flexibility to fit your studies around your lifestyle and other commitments. You can dedicate as much, or as little, time as you want to your studies - no one will be chasing you for your work or asking why you haven’t submitted an assignment.

We do strongly recommend, though, that before you purchase a course you assess your ability to commit the necessary time to completing the course in a timeframe that will not leave you losing your motivation.

How quickly will I receive my course material?

We guarantee that you will receive your course materials within 5 days of purchase, but for many courses we would anticipate that you will have to wait no more than 48 hours.

The course materials are always sent to you via a tracked courier service, to ensure that you receive your study pack within our stated period.

How much will it cost?

The cost is largely dependent on the type of the course. The longer the course is the higher the cost will be, due to the size of the study pack and the nature of the qualification.

All prices are clearly stated on the course description page and will always be displayed prior to you committing to purchase a course.

Please note that there may be additional fees required should your course have an external assessment, such as A Levels, ICB qualifications etc. To clarify, please speak to a course advisor.

What support will I receive?

You will be allocated your own personal tutor who can be contacted via e-mail, telephone, fax or post for help and advice on any aspect of the course.

Many courses require that you submit work to your tutor during the period of study and your tutor will assess your work and pass comments back to you. Your tutor is available to you as much as you need them.

Please be aware that officially the tutor support provided with the course is for a period of 12 months, although if you need longer let us know and we’ll endeavour to extend that.

Will I have to sit an examination?

All of our courses are accredited, so you need to show that you have acquired the knowledge to pass the course – this may involve sitting an examination, but it depends on the course you have chosen.

Some courses require you to be continually assessed throughout the course, while others may require an end of course exam or assignment (which may be completed at home) to be submitted to your tutor.

Certain types of qualifications, A-levels and GCSEs for example, do require you to sit an invigilated exams at a registered test centre. You will need to organise and pay for the examinations yourself, however full details of what you need to do will be available from the centre who are delivering the qualification.

If in doubt, please email ‘support@nccresources.co.uk’, NCC can then discuss or put you in touch directly with the course provider.

Can I study from outside the UK?

Yes, there are no geographical limits to where you can study.

You just need to be aware that all tutors are based in the UK and work may need to be submitted to them via post, although in most cases e-mail can be used.

Where the course requires that you sit an invigilated exam at a test centre, there are many exam centres outside of the UK. However, we would advise that you check with us before purchasing one of these courses if you want to study from abroad.

Will I receive a qualification when I complete the course?

All of our courses are accredited and you will receive a certificate upon successful completion of the course.

For more information about this please see the section of the website that details how awarding bodies work and what the different types of qualifications are.

Can I take more than one course at a time?

Yes, you can take as many courses as your time allows. But we would recommend that you clearly evaluate how much time you can commit to your courses of study.

The good news is though that if your circumstances change you can always take a break and come back to your studies.

Additionally, discounts are available if you buy more than one course at the same time.

How long will it take for my work to be marked by my tutor?

Your work will be marked and feedback returned to you within 12 working days after submission. This is because our tutors are required to provide detailed, considered feedback to our learners that may take a while to formulate. We find that by working this way, our learners actually complete their course in less time, as they rarely need to submit an assignment more than twice.

Whilst it is possible to submit multiple assignments at the same time, we advise that our learners submit only one at a time. We want our learners to develop as they progress through their course, and find this is best achieved when a student embarks on a new module having taken into account tutor feedback from the previous submission.

Do I need any additional books or equipment to do my course?

No, we provide everything you need to pass your course.

How do I enrol?

Once you have chosen your course, you can either purchase the course online which will enrol you, or you can call our helpline on 0333 3445 690 who will sign you up for the course and arrange to have all your learning materials sent to you.

What if I’ve chosen the wrong course?

If, after receiving the course, you decide it isn’t the right course for you, you can simply return the goods within 14 days and we will send your money back in full for the majority of courses (excluding postage and packaging) or you can choose another course that you feel would suit your needs and ambitions better.

What is the difference between the online and paper versions of courses?

Our online courses are completed through our online learning system after receiving login and access instructions. You will not receive any course materials through the post. The paper based version is posted out in a binder to your home or place of work and requires completion of a portfolio of work that is submitted to your tutor for marking.

Where can I find your Equality and Diversity Policy?

All NCC policies and procedures can be provided on request from NCC directly by emailing enquiries@ncchomelearning.co.uk or calling 0333 3445 690.

Can reasonable adjustments be made to help reduce the effects of a disability or difficulty that may place me at a disadvantage?

A reasonable adjustment is any action that helps to reduce the effect of a disability or difficulty that places the candidate at a substantial disadvantage in the assessment situation. Reasonable adjustments must not affect the integrity of what needs to be assessed, but may involve:

Changing standard assessment arrangements, for example allowing candidates extra time to complete the assessment activity Adapting assessment materials, such as providing materials in Braille Providing access facilitators during assessment, such as a sign language interpreter or a reader Re-organising the assessment room, such as removing visual stimuli for an autistic candidate.

Reasonable adjustments are approved or set in place before the assessment activity takes place; they constitute an arrangement to give the candidate access to the assessment activity. The use of a reasonable adjustment will not be taken into consideration during the assessment of a candidate’s work.

Awarding organisations and centres are only required by law to do what is ‘reasonable’ in terms of giving access. What is reasonable will depend on the individual circumstances, cost implications and the practicality and effectiveness of the adjustment. Other factors, such as the need to maintain competence standards and health and safety, will also be taken into consideration.